January 18, 2020 | 3:06 PM
by Times News Service
Muscat: Following the completion of construction of the cargo operations facility complex at Muscat International Airport, Oman Air’s Freight Unit is looking to increase its cargo handling capacity to 1.5 million tonnes by 2040.
Speaking to the Oman News Agency, the country’s national news agency, Oman Air’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Cargo, Mohammed bin Ali Al Musafir, said, “The national carrier of the Sultanate is working on setting competitive logistical standards that rise to international levels after completing the development of the air cargo operations facilities at the freight services building at Muscat International Airport.”
The transportation and logistics sector has been identified as a key area of expansion under Oman’s Tanfeedh programme for economic diversification, which looks to develop the economy and move it away from the oil-and-gas industries, thereby expanding the country’s source of revenue and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
“The Air Cargo Unit complements the general strategy launched by the Sultanate to develop the logistics sector, as the company is currently working in coordination with the relevant authorities in the field of air freight such as freight services, logistics and ports to develop land and air freight services with a view to reaching the capacity of 1.5 million tonnes by 2040,” added ONA.
The new air cargo hub will accommodate 734 multi-level loading containers and 2,208 mobile chutes, besides goods transport vehicles fitted with hydraulic cranes, according to an Oman News Agency report.
“The facility also has gates that provide for the simultaneous loading of three air cargo planes and 25 outlets that accommodate 40 feet and 20 feet cargo vehicles, along with a 400-car parking lot and a 34-heavy vehicle parking space,” added ONA. “This is in addition to a 2,500 square-metre livestock centre and 228 square-metre chambers for high-risk goods. Due to the fact that the airport often receives perishable materials, the whole building has already been provided with good air-conditioning systems and cooling stores to preserve perishable items.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Musafir pointed out that Oman Air plays a major role, making an ideal use of its fleet of 55 aircraft, noting that West Asia, Europe, Indian Ocean countries and Sri Lanka are the main air cargo destinations of Oman Air. Market competition in 2016 indicates that cargo volumes increased by 30 to 40 percent. Ideal use of air cargo capacity in aircrafts and an increase in flights and Oman Air destinations helped multiply revenues between 2016 and 2019.
“As many as 48 agents represent Oman Air around the world,” said Al Musafir, “Oman Air as the national carrier uses the services of some countries to maximise its global coverage. We are bound by agreements with 80 airlines that provide such services, and a study is under way to purchase air cargo planes that will serve alongside chartered cargo planes.
Stressing the importance of electronic trade, Al Musafir told ONA, “this undergoes continuous development and it relies on goods of a light size and weight being exported to consumers across the globe. The number of users of e-business will witness a steady growth, and ‘smart cargo’, a system of operations serving as a platform for selling activities, is being increasingly used by agents at a global level. It is known by importers as the air compass.”
